AMID the potentially evolving Middle East crisis, Pakistan Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir, held a significant phone call with US President Donald Trump on 22 March 2026, to discuss de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East War zone.

To play its pivotal peace role, Pakistan is leveraging its strategic position to mediate escalating tensions between Iran and the US, acting as a regional stabilizer amid heightened Middle East conflicts. Its diplomatic efforts are gaining traction as both sides seek de-escalation to avoid broader military confrontation. By facilitating backchannel dialogues and promoting ceasefire initiatives, Pakistan aims to prevent regional destabilization while reinforcing its role as a neutral broker. Pakistan’s diplomatic and strategic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East are gaining recognition globally, from the East to the West. This shift underscores Pakistan’s growing influence in international diplomacy, particularly in conflict zones involving major powers.

The Four Foreign Ministers’ summit in Islamabad on March 30, involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, was viewed globally as a significant diplomatic effort to strengthen regional cooperation. The meeting aimed to address Middle East tensions, promote unity among key Muslim-majority nations and enhance collective strategies on regional security and development. International observers noted the strategic importance of this gathering, particularly as it reflects a shift toward multilateral dialogue amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. The summit underscored a shared commitment to peace, stability and economic collaboration across the region.

While extending its efforts to deescalate tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan richly hails the confidence of Washington and Tehran. Moreover, Pakistan is collaborating with Turkiye and Egypt and Saudi Arabia in a “quadrilateral strategic synergy” to bridge the divide between Washington and Tehran. These efforts involve communication with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: These diplomatic efforts coincided with President Trump’s announcement of a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, citing “productive” conversations aimed at ending the conflict.

Expressing solidarity with Iran over sovereignty, Islamabad has also maintained strong strategic ties with Saudi Arabia—including a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement—which allows it to navigate the regional divide: If successful, this role allows Pakistan to transition from a “security consumer” to a “net security provider,” significantly elevating its global diplomatic stature, argue analysts. Despite the gigantic challenges, Pakistan military and civilian leadership is harnessing the efforts to end war in the Middle East. Pakistan backchannel communication and its mediatory role have gained prominence amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with Pakistan helping to prevent escalation and support diplomatic efforts.

The US and Iran have reportedly used Islamabad to relay messages, especially on issues like nuclear negotiations and regional security. China’s growing presence in Pakistan may also enhance Islamabad’s strategic value as a neutral conduit. However, this role carries risks, as Pakistan must balance relations with both powers while managing domestic and regional pressures. Many observers see Pakistan as a credible intermediary because direct communication between Washington and Tehran has effectively ceased. Islamabad has reportedly relayed US conditions for a ceasefire to Tehran and passed Iranian responses back to Washington. The US special representative for the Middle East acknowledged these efforts, suggesting elements within the US Administration view Islamabad as a constructive peace player.

Meanwhile, the global strategists view the potential Trump Administration ground operations to occupy the Strait of Hormuz and seize Iranian uranium as a high-risk, escalatory gamble. The initiatives, including occupying Iran’s Kharg Island, are seen as ways to severely damage Iran’s economy and neutralize its nuclear ambitions, but face significant hurdles in terms of military risk, high casualties and the lack of a clear endgame. Given the significant gaps between Washington’s 15-point demands and Tehran’s rejection of them as excessive while proposing its own five-point proposal, signaling a willingness to negotiate but on different terms. While temporary pauses in hostilities and diplomatic overtures offer limited hope, mutual distrust and conflicting objectives—especially regarding nuclear ambitions and regional influence—hinder progress. A temporary ceasefire is essential to create space for diplomacy. Diplomacy requires trust and time, which a ceasefire could foster. Without it, cycles of retaliation will continue, making lasting peace impossible.

Further, Pakistan’s success in brokering peace would validate its foreign policy evolution, showcasing leadership grounded in vision and integrity. Such an achievement would elevate its international standing, positioning Pakistan as a credible mediator in global crises and reinforcing its role in multilateral diplomacy. The European Council, including President Antonio Costa, has publicly endorsed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in mediating the Middle East crisis, emphasizing support for all peace initiatives. This backing aligns with broader international recognition, including statements from the UN Secretary General, highlighting Pakistan’s growing role as a neutral mediator.

To conclude, Pakistan has emerged as a custodian of global peace to de-escalate the conflict, positioning itself as a central, neutral go-between to broker peace in the Middle East. Pakistan is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to mediate an end to the Middle East conflict, with support from China and Russia, who are jointly pushing a draft resolution for an immediate ceasefire. While Western powers have not been explicitly mentioned as backing these efforts, particularly amid escalating tensions involving Israel, Iran and broader regional actors. Needless to say, the pragmatic search for a conflict resolution between the hyper power US and the developing state Iran may not be an easy task, but Pakistan is fully committed to harnessing every effort with the support of other countries, Particularly from China. The Pakistan-China announced 5-point agenda is the best recipe for peace in the present crisis.

—The writer is an independent IR & International Law analyst.

© Pakistan Observer